About Adam:

Adam Rivera’s acoustic solo act has been described as speed-folk with a firm grounding in pop traditions and smart but accessible lyrics. He also performs as one half of the melodic duo The Externals, and as a one-man They Might Be Giants tribute, James K Folk. Adam’s music ranges from the angsty “The Answer” to the sweetly loving and upbeat “Time Machine.” Love and relationships, joy and sorrow, play a large role in his music. But it’s not all sappy romance—check out “Contradiction” for a fun play on words about his love of video games. Adam has played in a variety of bands and solo acts since he began playing guitar and singing, which he has done for nearly 20 years.

Inspired by a musical family—his older brother and father play guitar and bass—Adam began playing guitar while in grade school and never put the instrument down. Despite this influence, Adam developed his own style of music and never quite felt he fit in. In 2003, Adam moved to New York City and discovered the anti-folk scene at the legendary Sidewalk Café’s weekly open mic sessions—and realized this was a scene where his musical talent and proclivities could shine.

Born in blue-collar Central New York, Adam has spent time in New York City and California before settling down in Philadelphia with his wife Kate and two cats.